International Relations and Scottish History

International relations and Scottish history is a combination that brings together the study of global politics and the international system with the detailed historical knowledge of one of the UK's most distinctive and debated national narratives. International relations explores the origins of war and peace, the making of foreign policy, trade regimes, international terrorism, human rights, international law, and the interaction of political and economic development. Scottish history provides a lens through which these broader international forces can be seen at work in a specific national context, from Scotland's complex relationship with England and the wider British state to its own distinctive engagement with European and global affairs.

At the University of St Andrews, the MA (Hons) in International Relations and Scottish History runs over four years in full-time mode, with a year abroad incorporated into the programme to deepen your comparative perspective on international relations and your exposure to different academic traditions. St Andrews is one of Scotland's oldest and most distinguished universities, with particular strengths in international relations research and a genuinely international student and faculty community. The combination of a rigorous theoretical foundation in international relations with specific historical depth in Scottish history is particularly well suited to careers in Scottish public life, diplomacy, and the analysis of the UK's place in the world.

Graduates from this combination are well placed for careers in the Scottish Government, the UK civil service, the diplomatic service, journalism, international organisations, policy research, education, and the cultural institutions that engage with Scotland's history. The analytical and research skills the degree develops, including the ability to understand complex international situations and to root them in historical context, are valued across a wide range of professional settings. Postgraduate study in international relations, history, Scottish studies, or public policy is a natural next step.